The previous season had ended in disappointment yet immense pride after Watford’s first appearance in an FA Cup Final, but it was time to get back to work and prepare for the challenges of third successive season in the top-flight of the English game.
These pictures from the Watford Observer archive were taken on July 18, 1984 for the first day of pre-season training at Vicarage Road.
They show Graham Taylor emphasising a point as goalkeepers Steve Sherwood does sit-ups, Steve Harrison joining some of the players for a run around the pitch, while Tom Walley looks on as Nigel Callaghan shows off some skills.
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The season was to start with Callaghan scoring to earn a 1-1 draw at Manchester United but the Hornets were soon struggling after winning only one of their opening 13 league games.
However, a run of four successive victories through November and the start of December led to an improvement in fortunes that saw Taylor’s side finish in 11th place, the same position as the previous season.
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